Heloise: Remove razor strips

“I do not like those lubricating strips that manufacturers put on razors these days. You can’t avoid them. I soak the razors in hot water for a while, then remove that strip. I can’t stand that slick, soapy feel on my face, and wish some makers would realize that not everybody does. — Craig, via email”

You may have to use a straight razor! — Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are other uses for a coffee mug with a broken handle:

■ Plant small herbs in it and keep on the kitchen windowsill.

■ Use in a bathroom to store cotton balls or cotton swabs.

■ Place on a desk as a pencil-and-pen holder.

■ Store tea bags or other small items in one in the kitchen.

■ Use as a water cup when painting. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Help! I have some small, galvanized cans that I want to paint and use as decorative storage items, but the paint won’t stick! Is there anything I can do to help the paint adhere? — Cathy, via email

Yes, there is, and it’s as close as your pantry. The magic solution is my beloved vinegar! Just wipe down the cans with some full-strength vinegar. Let them dry, then apply a second time and let dry. Now go to town with painting. Hardware stores should have paint specially made for this. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: A friend shared that she had gone to a restroom at the hospital. There was not much room on the counter for her purse, and she did not want to put it on the floor, so she put it in the sink. When she came out of the stall, her purse was full of water because the automatic faucet clicked on. So, find someplace else to put it besides the sink. She had a good laugh. — I.N., Audubon, Iowa

This is not a good idea! All it takes is someone else walking in, taking the purse and walking out. Ladies, don’t ever leave your purse out of your sight! — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to heloise@heloise.com.